Wild Arizona is hiring for multiple positions as part of our Wild Stew Field Crew to conduct meaningful conservation projects that protect, link and restore wilderness and wild lands across Arizona and Western New Mexico.This position is open immediately and focuses primarily on trail maintenance and riparian restoration projects. There are opportunities to progress into a leadership role as well as furthering your career in conservation.

Selected individuals will be hired by Wild Arizona as full time employees, and must supply their own work clothes, backpacks, hiking boots and camping/backpacking gear. All specialty equipment such as work t-shirts, tools, personal protective equipment, group camping gear, etc. will be provided by Wild Arizona. Crew members will be responsible for the care and return of any equipment provided by Wild Arizona. 

The work schedule consists of eight 10-hour days (Wednesday through Wednesday) followed by six days off. We offer permanent full-time employment but are also open to seasonal employees.

Employment Location

Field Crews depart from and return to Tucson, Arizona. Common project locations across the state of Arizona and western New Mexico include the Sky Islands, the Mogollon Rim, the Colorado River and Gila River watersheds and specifically the Coronado, Coconino, Tonto, Apache–Sitgreaves, and Gila National Forests, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Diverse elevations and ecosystems provide opportunities for year-round work in the Southwest.

Employment Start Date

Positions are available immediately and will continue to be available until all positions are filled.

Employment End Date

Employment is based on available funding. At this time there is no end date.

Compensation

Positions range from $17 – $23 per hour depending on experience. Medical Insurance is comprehensive and free, following 60 days of employment. Wild Arizona provides a per diem for food expenses when in the field, and transportation to project locations from Tucson, AZ.

Program Overview

Wild Arizona’s mission is to protect, link, and restore wild lands and waters across Arizona and beyond, for the enrichment and health of all generations, and to ensure Arizona's native plants and animals a lasting home in wild nature. We organize and amplify multi-community voices of support for legislation and special designations; advocate for conservation science-based environmental policy and planning; and cultivate stewardship, social/environmental awareness, and well-being through outdoor volunteerism, science, and education.

We seek employees who demonstrate high standards in work quality, diligence, reliability, compassion, excellent judgment, and a desire to care for the environment.

Project Description

Projects will take place in remote locations across the state involving a wide variety of basic trail maintenance and reconstruction; extensive treadwork including rebenching, drain construction and maintenance and assorted rockwork; brushing trail corridors with the use of loppers and hand saws; removal of downed trees with the use of crosscut saws and chainsaws. Projects can be either frontcountry, backcountry or a mix of both.

Projects may include trail condition assessments, solitude monitoring, and other wilderness stewardship work in partnership with land management agencies.  

Watershed restoration projects may include the removal and control of invasive plants by mechanical means and application of herbicides; planting of native plants; construction of riparian restoration structures.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Required to walk on uneven, slippery terrain, as well as kneel for extended periods of time while working
• Required to use hands to operate tools such as chainsaws, crosscut saws, hand saws, loppers, picks, and shovels for 10 hours a day
• Lift and carry 50+ pounds of gear and equipment over rugged terrain up to 6-10 miles daily
• Must be able to speak, read, and write English
• Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse weather conditions
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Must have a valid driver’s license 
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member
• Sense of humor and desire to make a positive impact for the environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Conservation Corps, Youth Conservation Corps, wildland firefighting, trail crew, or similar work experience
• Familiar with basic tool handling and maintenance skills
• Experience driving 4WD trucks
• Experience driving with and backing a trailer
• Current USFS Crosscut Sawyer Certification
• Current USFS Chainsaw Certification
• Current Federal driver’s license and defensive driving certification
• Current backcountry medical certification (First Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness EMT)
• Current State of AZ Pesticide Handlers Certification